Wildlife Agency Delay in Grizzly Recovery Rule Draws Lawsuit (1)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service needs to stop delaying and prepare a recovery plan for grizzly bears in the Bitterroot area of Montana and Idaho, according to a lawsuit filed in a Montana federal court.

The agency’s failure to act is unreasonable and violates federal law, Alliance for the Wild Rockies and Native Ecosystems Council told the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. At a minimum, the agency must complete an environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act, the groups say in their lawsuit filed Nov. 5.

The Fish and Wildlife Service adopted a rule in ...